Learning you have coronary artery disease (CAD) can feel overwhelming. Over time, this heart disease can lead to a heart attack or even heart failure. But if you have it, you likely don’t need a procedure or surgery right away. Depending on your condition, you may only need coronary artery disease medications and healthy lifestyle choices to manage it.
Learn about the medications you need to treat and manage CAD and how they help. ,
Coronary Artery Disease Medications: How They Help and Why They Matter
CAD happens when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your heart (called atherosclerosis). This slows down blood flow in your arteries. It may even stop the flow of blood. That can lead to an emergency, because your heart muscle isn’t getting the oxygen it needs.
In other words, you have clogged arteries.
CAD can cause symptoms like:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Trouble breathing
Medications for coronary artery disease can improve your blood flow and slow the progression of CAD. Each medicine type focuses on a different approach. They can:
- Relieve symptoms
- Prevent blockages
- Control high blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
What are these medications, and what do they do?
Relieving CAD Symptoms
If you are having chest pain (angina), your doctor might prescribe nitrates. These medications relax and widen your blood vessels. That improves blood flow to your heart, so it’s getting more needed oxygen.
Beta blockers are another common choice. They lower blood pressure and slow your heart rate, so your heart doesn’t work as hard. That reduces strain on your heart and prevents episodes of chest pain.
Preventing Blockages
Plaque buildup in your arteries is a key driver of CAD. Having too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can increase the amount of plaque in your arteries. Statins target this problem by lowering your cholesterol levels.
You may also take aspirin because it thins your blood and helps it flow more freely through your vessels. It can also reduce the risk of getting blood clots, which can also block arteries.
How to Eat When You Have CAD
Medicines for CAD work better when you follow a heart-healthy diet.
Controlling Blood Pressure
High blood pressure damages your arteries over time, making it easier for plaque to build up. ACE inhibitors and ARBs relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. This makes it easier for your heart to pump blood.
Calcium channel blockers also help blood pressure. These medications relax the muscles in your blood vessel walls, increasing blood flow and reducing the heart’s workload. They can also help reduce angina.
Managing High Cholesterol
For people who need extra help with high cholesterol, PCSK-9 inhibitors can be a game changer. These newer drugs are highly effective at reducing LDL cholesterol levels and are often used in people with a high risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Each of these medications addresses a different aspect of CAD. Which ones you’re prescribed depend on your specific condition. Your doctor will tailor your treatment plan to your needs, balancing effectiveness with possible side effects.
Supporting Your Heart With Healthy Habits
Medicine helps, but they can’t do it alone. If you want to make the most of your treatment, you should eat well and make other healthy choices, too.
Combine your CAD medicines with good lifestyle habits, like:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise, which makes your heart stronger and improves circulation
- Stopping any tobacco use
- Managing other conditions, like diabetes
- Having regular checkups
Medications and healthy choices go hand in hand in protecting your heart and CAD from getting worse. And, taking these steps can help your overall health improve, too.